Vision: A successful, inclusive and sustainable pole industry.
Mission: To protect and positively impact the business interests of the entire pole business community.
Tagline: This is not just about pole. This is about business.
We are on a mission to create a successful, inclusive, and sustainable pole industry.
We support our member pole businesses with resources, partnerships with professional service providers, and by advocating for the needs and interests of the entire pole industry.
We support everyone who makes their living (or a portion of their living) from the pole industry.
We want you to know your pole business can support your life goals. That you can run a successful and sustainable business. That you can continue to love your business and our sport for years to come.
The International Pole Industry Association (IPIA) a registered 501c6 non-profit association by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Further details are available upon request.
IPIA members agree to operate their business ethically according to the following Code of Ethics:
- Treat everyone with respect, providing equal access and fair treatment to all clients, customers, students, and employees.
- Conduct business in a respectful and ethical manner.
- Deliver on business commitments.
- Represent the pole industry with integrity in their relationships with employees; clients, customers, students; industry colleagues; and the general public.
- When in doubt about how to resolve an ethical dilemma, confer with a person you trust—one who is not directly involved in the outcome.
- Abide by all local, state, and federal laws (as applicable) relevant to their specific business.
If a consumer of an IPIA member individual or business witnesses any behavior that would warrant further action, please review the Consumer Complaint process for more information.
To download a printable version of the Code of Ethics, click here.
Here are some common questions and answers. Got more questions? Email us!
Q: Why is the IPIA necessary?
A: It’s become clear during the COVID-19 pandemic that small businesses do not receive much support from government entities. Pole-focused businesses may receive even less support. The IPIA was created to fill that gap, helping to educate, support, and connect pole businesses.
Q: How can I sign up?
A: Become a member at this link.
Q: What do you do with my membership money?
A: Membership money goes to pay for administrative costs such as ongoing website upkeep (including when needed guest writers), web hosting, marketing and payment processing fees. Membership money may also go towards advocacy and research when applicable. We are an official 501c6 non-profit organization by the US IRS. Membership dues are tax deductible (US only).
Q: Aren’t there other pole dance associations?
A: Yes, there are several other pole dance associations or organizations that are focused on just instructors or competitors. The IPIA is focused on pole business.
Q: I’m a pole consumer and need to file a complaint against an IPIA member, what do I do?
A: All IPIA members abide by a specific Code of Ethics. If a consumer of an IPIA member individual or business witnesses any behavior that would warrant further action, they may file a complaint here. An IPIA representative will reach out to you within 48 hours of filing a complaint to act as a third party to help the consumer and IPIA member reach a satisfactory resolution of the problem.